After struggling a bit in his first few seasons with the Flyers – leading to more than a few criticisms of the contract he received – Briere really hit his stride beginning in the 2010 playoffs. He actually lead the NHL in scoring during the postseason and continued that momentum this season, scoring 32 goals (second on the team) and 63 points (third on the Flyers) to produce arguably his best campaign with Philly.

Injuries have been one of the biggest obstacles in his less productive seasons with the Flyers, so the team is wise to let him rest if he needs it. Briere hasn’t missed any other games to injury this season after missing seven last season and only playing in 29 regular season games in 2008-09. He did, however, miss three games because he was suspended for cross-checking New York Islanders forward Frans Nielsen earlier this season.

We’ll pass along word if Briere is expected to miss any more time, but he shouldn’t be in the lineup for today’s important game against the Rangers.